Be Aware of the Larger System

Whenever I take on a project, one of the first things I do is look at the system. If I know the system I’m in, I can produce more effective results. To figure out the system, I try to map out the context, flows of work, key events, and who does what.

With or Against the SystemOnce I have a map of the system, I have a bird’s-eye view of how to get leverage. I can then either try to get results by working with the system or against the system. I’ve found that working with the system is way more effective and it’s the difference that makes the difference. In Influence Without Authority (2nd Edition) , Allan Cohen and David Bradford write about being aware of the larger system to produce more effective results.

Anticipate the ResistanceOne of the best ways to set yourself up for a glide path is to know where the most friction will be and address it. Cohen and Bradford share an example of how salespeople anticipate and respond to potential resistance from the larger system:

Salespeople anticipate that resistance to what they are selling might be coming from other parts of the organization. If that turns out to be true, they help the “purchaser” plan the arguments or approaches to other key players such as the client’s boss, the finance department, sister divisions, and so on.

Know the System Effects

The system is interconnected. If you’re going to change the system, know the potential impact. Cohen and Bradford write:

Organizations are interconnected systems, and a change in one part can have a positive – or negative – impact on another. Thus, in addition to understanding the nature of your client’s core activities, it is also wise ahead of time to know how your change effort, product, or service will affect other areas. Even a small change can have unanticipated negative consequences. Know the system’s effects ahead of time, not after blundering in.

Popular Resources

Featured Guests

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Guy Kawasaki on the top 10 reasons to self-publish. Guy’s new book, APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur-How to Publish a Book is all about self-publishing and how to control the publishing process to produce high-quality books.

Tim Ferriss’ new book The 4-Hour Chef is now out. I had the pleasure of talking with Tim Ferriss about his new book. The 4-Hour Chef is more than a cookbook — it’s a cookbook for life. As you may know, Tim Ferriss it the best-selling author of The 4-Hour Work Week and The 4-Hour […]

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Marie Forleo on her lessons learned in life. Marie is a best-selling author, speaker, online-entrepreneur, Nike Athlete and Master Trainer, fitness personality, dancer, and choreographer.

Editor’s note: What does somebody who spent a year test-driving principles, tips, theories, and scientific studies on happiness think are the real keys to happiness? That’s what I wanted to know. This is a guest post on lessons learned in happiness by Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen is a best selling author and former lawyer. What’s interesting to me about Gretchen is that she studied happiness by making it a project. During The Happiness Project, Gretchen spent a year test-driving lessons in happiness from Aristotle to Oprah.